Reports to: Quality Assurance Supervisor
Direct Reports: N/A
Location: Head Office

Job Purpose

The QA Technician is responsible for executing routine quality monitoring, testing, and verification activities during production and on finished goods to ensure compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements. The role supports consistent product quality through hands-on inspection, testing, and accurate documentation, escalating issues to the QA Supervisor as required.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Testing, Inspection & Calibration

• Conduct daily sampling and testing of intermediate products, finished products, blends, and packaged products in accordance with approved sampling plans and product specifications.

• Perform required physical, chemical, microbiological, sensory, allergen, and water quality testing to verify product and process compliance.

• Carry out routine calibration, accuracy verification, and proper operation of laboratory and testing equipment in accordance with approved procedures and SOPs.

• Ensure all testing activities are executed in compliance with GMP, food safety, and laboratory safety requirements.

Process Monitoring & GMP Compliance

• Monitor production processes daily to verify adherence to GMP, hygiene standards, and approved operating procedures.

• Perform and document pre-operational start-up and visual post-operational shutdown inspections for assigned production areas.

• Identify, document, and report any process deviations, hygiene failures, or GMP non-conformances to the QA Supervisor promptly.

• Support verification of sanitation effectiveness through routine hygiene monitoring activities.

Non-Conformance, Complaints & Deviation Support

• Identify and document non-conforming results, deviations, or abnormal findings during testing and inspections.

• Escalate quality issues to the QA Supervisor and support investigations through data collection, sample review, and documentation.

• Assist with the investigation of customer complaints by compiling analytical data, records, and supporting information as required.

• Support the processing and documentation of damaged, returned, or rejected finished goods in accordance with QA procedures.

Documentation, Records & Data Management

• Accurately record all testing results, inspections, observations, and analytical data in approved quality logs and systems.

• Maintain organized, complete, and audit-ready electronic and physical quality records.

• Complete internal Certificates of Analysis (COAs), product specifications, and supporting quality documentation as required.

• Maintain and update quality-related Excel sheets and data logs, including analytical trending and nutrition-related information as provided by the QA Supervisor.

• Assist with preparation and submission of quality documentation requested by local and export customers.

Laboratory & QA Support Functions

• Maintain cleanliness and organization of laboratory work areas before and after each shift.

• Prepare glassware, reagents, stock solutions, and testing materials in accordance with approved laboratory standards.

• Conduct periodic stock counts of laboratory chemicals, consumables, and testing supplies and report shortages.

• Facilitate the disposal and documentation of expired samples, retains, and laboratory materials in accordance with procedures.

• Assist with organizing documentation for audits and supporting training activities for new or existing employees.

• Provide QA operational support during absences or peak periods as directed by the QA Supervisor.

Skills & Knowledge Required

• Practical working knowledge of food safety, GMP, hygiene, and basic HACCP principles within a food manufacturing environment.

• Strong technical ability to perform quality testing, inspections, and monitoring in accordance with approved procedures and specifications.

• Familiarity with laboratory testing methods, including physical, chemical, microbiological, allergen, and water quality testing.

• Ability to accurately record, interpret, and trend analytical data and identify abnormal or non-conforming results.

• Working knowledge of laboratory equipment operation and calibration, including adherence to safety and quality standards.

• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and discipline in documentation and record-keeping.

• Ability to follow SOPs precisely, recognize deviations, and escalate issues appropriately.

• Clear written and verbal communication skills for reporting findings and supporting investigations.

Qualifications & Experience Required

• Associate's Degree or equivalent certification in Chemistry, Food Science, Laboratory Technology, Microbiology, or a related field.

• Minimum of 1–2 years of hands-on experience in a Quality Control (QC) or QA laboratory setting, preferably within the food, beverage, or pharmaceutical manufacturing industry.

• Proven competency in performing basic laboratory techniques (titrations, dilutions, calibrations) and using relevant testing equipment (e.g., pH meters, refractometers, ATP luminometers).

• Foundational understanding of GMP, HACCP/Food Safety principles, and standard laboratory safety practices.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel for data recording and trending.

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand and work in a laboratory environment for extended periods.

• Requires manual dexterity for handling laboratory equipment, samples, and chemicals safely.

• Must be able to wear and adhere to all laboratory and factory-required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

• Ability to lift and move sample boxes (light to moderate weight) occasionally.

This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position and its requirements. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required.